American Pie – Don McLean

American Pie – Don McLean

American Pie - Don McLean

“American Pie” is partly biographical and partly the story of America during the idealized 1950s and the bleaker 1960s. It was initially inspired by Don’s memories of being a paperboy in 1959 and learning of the death of Buddy Holly. “American Pie” presents an abstract story of McLean’s life from the mid-1950s until the end of the 1960s, and at the same time it represents the evolution of popular music and politics over these years, from the lightness of the 1950s to the darkness of the late 1960s, but metaphorically the song continues to evolve to the present time. It is not a nostalgia song. “American Pie” changes as America, itself, is changing.

For McLean, the transition from the light innocence of childhood to the dark realities of adulthood began with the deaths of his father and Buddy Holly and culminated with the assassination of President Kennedy in 1963, which was the start of a more difficult time for America. During this four year period, Don moved from an idyllic childhood, through the shock and harsh realities of his father’s death in 1961, to his decision, in 1964, to leave Villanova University to pursue his dream of becoming a professional singer.

The 1950s were an era of happiness and affluence for the burgeoning American middle class. Americans had a feeling of optimism about their prospects for the future, and pride in their nation which had emerged victorious from World War II, setting the world free from the tyranny of Nazi Germany. Popular music mirrored society. Performers such as Buddy Holly, Elvis Presley, and Bill Haley and the Comets churned out feel-good records that matched the mood of the nation. Sinister forces such as communism were banished, and serious folk groups like the Weavers were being replaced by the beat poets who, as members of the intelligentsia, were excused their lack of optimism.

The 1960s was the antithesis of the previous decade. The exuberant simplicity of the 1950s was displaced by a much more volatile and politically charged atmosphere. People were asking questions. The cozy world of white middle class America was disturbed, as civil rights campaigners marched on Washington, D.C., and Martin Luther King Jr delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. The following year saw the 1964 Civil Rights Act become law. On the world stage, America’s leading super-power status was being challenged by the Soviet Union, and its military might was being tested by the Vietnamese. Even in music, America soon found itself overrun by a British invasion. The 1960s was a turbulent time for McLean’s generation.

Read more…..http://www.don-mclean.com/americanpie.asp

Picture source…..http://www.davidlivshin.com/gallery/photojournal/don-mclean.jpg

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Coconut Cream Pie Bars

Coconut Cream Pie Bars

Coconut Cream Pie Bars

For the crust:
1 1/2 c flour
2/3 c shortening
5-7 tbsp cold water
vanilla-coconut pudding
2 2/3 cups cold whole milk
1 egg
1/2 c sugar
1/4 c cornstarch
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/3 c sweetened, flaked coconut
Topping:
1 pint whipping cream
1 tsp vanilla
3 tbsp powdered sugar
1 c sweetened, flaked coconut
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350.
For the crust: Pour flour in a medium bowl. Cut butter into flour until the butter is in pea-sized pieces. Stir in water as needed (5 tbsp was just right for me) until just combined.  Form into a ball and place on a floured surface.  Roll out into a rectangle.  Place in a 9 X 13 in pan (no need to grease).  Poke the crust all over with a fork.  Bake at 350 for 15 minutes until lightly golden.
For the pudding:  In a medium saucepan, whisk the milk and egg together over medium heat.  Stir in sugar, cornstarch and salt and continue whisking often until it starts to thicken.  Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and flaked coconut.  Pour into cooled crust and place in the fridge.
Topping:  Spread 1 cup flaked coconut onto a cookie sheet and bake for 2-3 minutes until toasted and golden.  Set aside.  In a stand mixer beat whipping cream, sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form.
Spread fresh whipped cream over the pudding layer and sprinkle with toasted coconut.  Refrigerate for another 2-3 hours. Cut into bars and serve.
 Recipe Source…..sweettreatsmore.com